Dec 31, 2011

Photo of the Month December 2011


Hellenic Navy Rheinmetall 20mm/65 Mk20, S20 Naval Gun mount

Happy New Year - 2012

Santa's sled refueling over the Atlantic

Hellenic Artillery M110A2 video slideshow.


Hellenic Army Artillery self propelled M110A2 slide-show with 26 high definition photos from different angles during live fire exercise. Watch the photos of M110 firing and how the smoke is coming from the barrel. Last picture is the explosion of a 95kg round above the target. We are using a Casio Ex F1 which can take up to 60 photos per second.
Music: Two Steps from Hell, Pathogen - Iron Soul

Dec 30, 2011

N-Vision Long Range Surveillance Monocular


LRS is a state of the art Generation 3 advanced night vision system designed for night time observations, photography, and video recording. Three available models LRS Scout, LRS Ranger, and LRS Recon offer superior performance and image clarity while being easily adaptable to interchangeable lens Nikon and Canon professional and consumer grade SLR cameras.

Key characteristics:
  • User replaceable C-Mount objective lens.
  • Large variety of lens options
  • Hard coated 6061-T6 aluminum housing (matte black)
  • Built-in invisible IR illuminator
  • In-ocular IR ON and LOW POWER indicators

Browe 4X32 Combat optic BCO

The 4x32 BROWE Combat Optic (BCO) is a state-of-the-art optic that delivers highest quality optical glass, high preision machining, with a rugged military design. 
  
The BCO is a purpose designed and built optic ideally suited for tactical scenarios and well suited for military, police and sportsmen.  Its titanium housing is compact and light weight, yet nearly three times stronger than its aluminum counterparts, enhancing its ability to survive the rigors of field abuse under the most severe environmental conditions.

The BCO’s list of evolutionary technology is long and includes such features as:

  • Target Light Sensor Technology
  • The BCO has a cadmium-sulfide photocell located in the optical path providing great sensitivity and accuracy of the target light that is being transmitted through the optic, not ambient lighting. It tactical environments lighting levels are very liquid and constantly changing. When nanoseconds count there is no time to make manual illumination adjustments or search for a poorly illuminated reticle.  The Target Light Sensor Technology simplifies the operation and allows the operator to focus on the job at hand. 

  • Single Intuitive Control (SIC)
  • Gives the operator a simple button desinged to control the illumination systems and simulate muscle memory.  With a single press of the SIC button the BCO will enter Automatic Mode; this will utilize the Target Light Sensor Teechnology by measuring the light transmission and automatically set the reticle illumination to the proper brightness.  The second press of the SIC button the BCO enters into Manual Mode.  This gives the operator complete control of the reticle illuination with the choice of 10 day settings and 3 night vision settings.

  • BCO Utility Port
  • The BCO utility port is a sealed port on the backside of the battery housing.  This port can be used to update the operating firmware or customize the existing program.  It can alos be used to plug in a remote pressure pad switch, so the SIC button controls can be placed at a secondary location on the weapon.  This port can also be used to import or export power.  This means that accessories such as lasers or mini red dots could be powered from the BCO battery.  Alternatively, the BCO utility port is capable of importing power, to run on an external power source such as a central power system.

  • Vibration Motion Sensor
  • Designed to conserve battery life by placing the BCO in SLEEP mode if motion is not detected after two hours. The BCO has an average battery usage life of over 2000 hours with a minimum of 775 hours on max brightness.  In sleep mode the battey current is less than 1uA, which will give the BCO a shelf life of over 10 years.

Dec 26, 2011

Army to deploy vertical take-off UAS

WASHINGTON (Dec. 22, 2011) -- The U.S. Army is using a hybrid-type acquisition approach to develop a helicopter-like, Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing Unmanned Aerial System with a so-called ARGUS wide-area surveillance sensor suite designed to beam back information and images of the surrounding terrain, service officials said.
Beginning in May or June of 2012, the Army will deploy three Boeing-built A160 Hummingbird Vertical-Take-Off-and-Landing Unmanned Aerial Systems, or VTOL-UAS, to Afghanistan as part of a Quick Reaction Capability, an acquisition approach aimed at delivering cutting-edge and emerging technologies to theater to add capability and inform requirements while simultaneously developing a formal Program of Record approach, said Lt. Col. Matthew Munster, product manager, UAS Modernization.
"These aircraft will deploy for up to one full year as a way to harness lessons learned and funnel them into a program of record," Munster said.

The formal VTOL Program of Record will involve a full and open competition among many vendors able to propose UAS solutions able to meet the desired requirements, he added.
Army VTOL UAS program developers and engineers are now finishing up some wiring work on the A160 aircraft and performing ground tests with the ARGUS sensor suite.
"The ARGUS sensor suite has never been flown on this platform before so we have to make sure that the integration is complete. We are finishing that up now and adding some different types of antennas. We begin flight testing of the UAS at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, early next year," Munster said.
The VTOL aircraft will give forward-positioned Army units the ability to deploy a wide-area UAS Intelligence, Surveillance Reconnaissance, or ISR, asset without needing access to a runway. 

Dec 23, 2011

Madbull Airsoft: RESET RIPR – Rifle Integrated Power Rail

Madbull is proud to announce our latest and one of our most unique Airsoft accessories: the Rifle Integrated Power Rail (RIPR) licensed by RESET.
Our Airsoft version of the RIPR is available in two configurations:

1. The POWER version is designed for Airsoft AEG rifles and functions much like the RESET RIPR does on real steel firearms – as a complete power system that allows you to swap batteries in seconds instead of minutes.
2. The GBB READY MAG version is designed for WE/WA GBB Rifles, and functions as a ready-mag system.

The two versions are different internally and cannot be interchanged.
RIPR-POWER version includes one battery box, and additional battery boxes can be purchased separately.
RIPR-READY MAG version does not include magazine, but is compatible with most GBB magazines.

More photos & info: www.madbull.com/ripr

Magpul Shotgun Accessories

Magpul will be launching a new line of accessories for the Remington 870 Shotgun at SHOT Show 2012. 
More information coming soon

MOE® Forend – Remington 870 Shotgun

The MOE Forend is a drop-in replacement for the standard Remington 870 12 gauge pump, featuring extended length and front/rear hand stops for improved weapon manipulation. Compatible with MOE rails, mounts, and accessories, the MOE Forend adds modularity to the proven Remington 870 platform for sporting use, home defense, or on duty.

 SGA™ Stock – Remington 870 Shotgun

The SGA Stock is a user-configurable buttstock designed to add much-needed adjustability to the tried and true Remington 870 platform. Featuring a spacer system for length of pull adjustment, improved grip ergonomics, recoil-reducing butt-pad, optional cheek risers for use with optics/raised sights, and other accessories, the SGA 870 brings Magpul design and engineering to another classic American firearm.

Dec 22, 2011

30th Anniversary Barrett M107A1

This 30th Anniversary M107A1 is one of a kind!  It is completely nickel teflon coated and has both a special 30th Anniversary side plate (rifle 1 of 1) and we held our 30th M107A1 produced, so it sports serial #30 in honor of the occasion.
Wait and see what we plan on doing with this one-of-a-kind rifle in 2012!
Photo by Kevin Fry

Dec 20, 2011

K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter

Quick Reaction Assessment
To augment the Marines’ ground and air logistics operations, the Navy recently completed a successful five-day Quick Reaction Assessment (QRA) using the unmanned K-MAX helicopter developed by Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace. The QRA significantly advances the Navy’s plan to field a cargo unmanned aerial system (UAS) for a six-month deployment in the fall of 2011.

K-MAX Unmanned Helicopter
Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation have successfully transformed Kaman’s proven K-MAX® power lift helicopter into an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capable of autonomous or remote controlled cargo delivery. Its mission: battlefield cargo resupply for the U.S. military.
The K-MAX UAS is a transformational technology for a fast-moving battlefield that will enable Marines to deliver supplies either day or night to precise locations without risk of losing life in the process. The aircraft can fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing UAS. With its four hook carousel, the K-MAX UAS can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight
The team has flown the K-MAX UAS nearly 400 hours in autonomous mode since joining forces in 2007. The rugged system can lift and deliver a full 6,000 lbs of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds at 15,000 ft density altitude.
The K-MAX continues to exceed expectations as an unmanned platform. The aircraft has met all unmanned milestones to date and continues to excel in the commercial logging and firefighting industries. The aircraft will remain optionally piloted for ease of National Airspace Operations, occasional manned mission flexibility, ferry flights, rapid integration of new mission equipment, and allow rapid return-to-service activities.
The manned version of the K-MAX is used for repetitive lift operations by commercial operators for the construction and logging industries. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 255,000 flight hours since 1994.

Dec 17, 2011

MS3 Sling, Art of the Precision Rifle, and ACS-L Stock now shipping

It's been a busy year for us here at Magpul! We are very excited to announce that the MS3 Sling, The Art of the Precision Rifle DVD Set, and the ACS-L Stock are all now shipping to Magpul Dealers and Distributors.

We are also pleased to announce that we have dropped the MSRP on the CTR and ACS stocks in order to make some room in the line up for the STR and ACS-L. The CTR will now be $79.95, and the ACS will now be $109.95.

Driven by the operational experience of Magpul Dynamics instructors, the MS3 Multi-Mission Sling System was designed to give a versatile weapon-retention solution for a multitude of tactical environments and missions. As a standalone product, the rapidly-convertible MS3 provides the maneuverability of one-point attachment for direct action, or two-point attachment for stability. Single-hand adjustments, symmetrical clips and lightweight, positive-locking metal and polymer hardware provide flexibility and durability in a truly adaptable sling system.

The MS3 incorporates several new features over its predecessor, the MS2, including all new Magpul designed and built hardware for greater durability and compatibility. MSRP $49.95

The Magpul ACS-L (Adaptable Carbine Stock - Light) is a drop-in replacement butt-stock for AR15/M16 carbines. A streamlined version of the ACS, the ACS-L utilizes the same center storage compartment and cheek weld but removes the battery tubes for a slimmer, lighter weight package. MSRP $99.95

The Art of the Precision Rifle features nearly ten hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material on five DVDs.

Precision Rifle Expert Todd Hodnett and Magpul Dynamics Instructors Chris Costa, Travis Haley, Steve Fisher, Mike Olivella and Caylen Wojcik cover the fundamentals and "how to" aspects of long range shooting, advanced techniques and formulas, military and law enforcement sniping, precision shooting gear, and the sniper mindset.

Five discs, DVD-Video/NTSC, Region ALL, total running time of 593 min. MSRP $59.95

All made in the U.S.A.

Dec 15, 2011

Avenger UAV for USAF Afghan Deployment



The General Atomics Avenger UAV is set to be used operationally by US forces in Afghanistan for the first time.
A single Avenger‘s been procured for the USAF as a means of boosting reconnaissance and strike efforts in that part of the world and, according to Flight Global, the single airframe order could be the first of its kind placed for this type.
Earlier this month, it emerged that Iranian forces had captured a US military RQ-170 Sentinel UAV, initial written reports later boosted by video footage highlighting the capture. Iran has since announced its intention to pick the RQ-170 apart, unlocking its secrets in order to develop a home-grown variant.

The General Atomics Avenger UAV was previously named the Predator C but differs from the same firm's MQ-1 Predator and Predator B (MQ-9 Reaper) UAVs in being jet-powered. Incorporating stealth features designed to limit its profile as it appears on enemy radar, the Avenger also has a weapons bay and hi-tech avionics components shared with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.
It's fully compatible with the ground control systems already used to support MQ-1 and MQ-9 operations, optimizing the ease with which it can be integrated into the USAF's UAV arsenal.
In light of the Iranian RQ-170 UAV capture, it's hoped that no such fate awaits this latest drone. Indeed, its deployment might be intended as a show of defiance but, in any case, it seems unlikely that the US will have the Sentinel drone returned any time soon.
"The American espionage drone is now Iran's property, and our country will decide what steps to take regarding it", Ahmad Vahidi - Iranian Defence Minister - told local news sources on 12 December.

The USAF Avenger Afghan deployment was detailed in a document published by the Federal Business Opportunities online resource.
'This aircraft will act as the test vehicle to develop those next generation UAS [Unmanned Aircraft System] sensors, weapons, and Tactics, Techniques & Procedures ensuring a quick, smooth and efficient fielding of these advanced capabilities to the area of operations', it stated.
‘This effort is an exceptional circumstance not only due to the need outlined by the SAF/AQ [Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition)] but because it fulfils a multi-agency role by providing a test platform for both Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD) and customers under an ongoing, classified SECDEF [United States Secretary of Defence directed program.

Dec 13, 2011

New Helmet Pads Provide Better Fit, More Comfort

PEO Soldier introduces one-inch helmet pads to the Army equipment inventory in an effort to provide a better fitting Army Combat Helmet (ACH) .

Three-quarter inch pads are currently standard issue with ACHs. The standard number of pads is seven pads for sizes S-XL and nine pads for size XXL. One inch pads may now be substituted for the three-quarter inch pads as another option of properly fitting a helmet for Soldiers having issues with proper fit  (if the helmet rocks back and forth and is not stable, if the helmet is too low on brow, if the helmet is not compatible with eye-wear, etc.) If Soldiers experience hot spots or discomfort with the helmet using three-quarter inch pads, the one inch pad offers a solution.

Soldiers may substitute one-inch pads where gaps are felt between the pad and the head if a snug fit is not achieved using three-quarter inch pads.  The Central Issuing Facility can issue the new pad following helmet fitting.
If the helmet is too low on the brow, not compatible with eye-wear or if Soldiers experience hot spots or discomfort, they can rearrange the pad system to accommodate a more comfortable fit.  Soldiers can also substitute pairs of one inch oblong/oval pads or individual trapezoidal front and/or rear pads or try another helmet to alleviate discomfort.
It is important to note the oblong/oval pads must be replaced in pairs to maintain stability, and the trapezoidal front and/or rear pad may be replaced individually.  Safety considerations require the crown pad to be available in one size only, the three-quarter-inch size, to ensure the helmet does not ride too high the head.

Changes are currently being incorporated in TM 10-8470-204-10 Technical Manual Operator’s Manual for Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).
For those wishing to order one-inch pads, the following NSN numbers should be referenced:

NSN
Item Description
 Size
8470-01-547-2802
Pad Oblong/Oval 
8
8470-01-547-2795
Pad Trapezoidal 
8

*Item will have 2 each pads.

Dec 10, 2011

SOCOM Gear: Timberwolf Licensed by Lone Wolf

SOCOM Gear proudly introduces the Timberwolf designed and licensed by Lone Wolf Distributors.

The Timberwolf is designed to be 100% compatible with original Glock parts, but is custom designed with improved features.

Among the improvements are a choice of 2 quick change grips, rounded trigger guard, extended beaver tail, round mag catch, improved checkering, higher grip angle and an improved rail system.

Moreover, many claim it is better than any double stack 1911 offered! Install the swelled grip and try to decide, is it an XD or a Sig. Either way, it takes less than a second to try them both.
Enjoy this great invention and play safe!

Key Features:
  1. 2 size of quick change grips
  2. 2 magazine butt plates for your collection!
  3. Polymer frame and Aluminum frame
  4. External 1:1 scale as Timberwolf
  5. High capacity magazine hold 24 rounds 6mm Airsoft BBs.
  6. Strong kick high power recoil
  7. Hopup system integrated
  8. Ergonomic angle for quick aiming and shooting
  9. Picatinny rail for tactical accessories mounting
10. Rounded trigger guard, extended beaver tail, round mag catch, and improved checkering.

More Photos & Info: www.socomgear.com/timberwolf

Dec 3, 2011

The Art of the Precision Rifle Now Available for Pre-Orders

Magpul's Art of the Precision Rifle is now available for pre-order and will be shipping to dealers and distributors mid-December. The Art of the Precision Rifle features nearly ten hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material.

Precision Rifle Expert Todd Hodnett and Magpul Dynamics Instructors Chris Costa, Travis Haley, Steve Fisher, Mike Olivella and Caylen Wojcik cover the fundamentals and "how to" aspects of long range shooting, advanced techniques and formulas, military and law enforcement sniping, precision shooting gear, and the sniper mindset.

Here is the full five-disc breakdown:

DISC ONE (142 min)
Course Part 1
Intro
Rifle Setup
Zeroing
Reticles
Truing
Special Features
- Ballistics
- Cold Bore vs. Clean Bore
- Trace

DISC TWO (133 min)
Course Part 2
Broken Scope Field Zero
Accuracy 1st Wind Formula
Wind Course (Part 1, 2, Wrap Up)
The One Mile Shot
Wrap Up
Special Features
- Mindset

DISC THREE (126 min)
USMC Fundamentals
The Sniper
The USMC Sniper
The Law Enforcement Sniper
Tools of the Military Sniper
Military Semi-Auto Weapons
Data Books
Exercises
- Dialing and Scope Calibration
- The Milling Exercise
- Natural Point-of-Aim
Quick Reference Drills
- Rapid Bolt Manipulation
- Tac Reload
- Speed Reload
- Reaction Side Bolt Manipulation

DISC FOUR (97 min)
Gear
Bolt Action
Semi-Automatic
Ancillary Gear
Rifle Optics
Muzzle Accessories
Support Equipment

DISC FIVE (93 min)
Bonus Features
Additional Course Material
Unconventional Positions
Long Range Trajectory
The TReMoR Reticle
Cleaning
Raising the Bar
Bonus Material
- Bloopers
- The Whiz Wheel
- Reading Wind
- Formula Review
- More from Magpul (Trailers)

 
The Art of the Precision Rifle is now available for pre-order at the Magpul Store and many Magpul Dealers. The Blu-Ray version is coming soon.

Madbull: OmegaX 12.0 Licensed By Daniel Defense

Madbull is proud to announce that the licensed-for-Airsoft version of Daniel Defense's OmegaX 12.0 handguard rails in Black and FDE Tan.
These rails have completed production, and are now available to distributors (and will be available soon at retail).

With the inclusion of the 12.0 rails, Madbull's family of licensed Daniel Defense OmegaX rails contains eight unique products: 7" / 9" / 12" / 12" FSP in Black and FDE Tan.
You can see learn about them all on our website at: www.madbull.com/omegax

MadBull Omega X Rails feature an easy upgrade platform, high strength, and extreme ergonomics. The Omega X Rails offer a smooth transition from the upper receiver offering the most usable rail space. It features a continuous upper rail platform along with integrated sling swivels. Integrated sling mounts also feature limited rotation and ambidextrous points.

Features:
  • Free Floating Barrel Design
  • Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
  • Integrated Sling Swivel Attachment Points with limited rotation
  • Aircraft Grade Aluminum
  • Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
  • Narrow profile for enhanced ergonomics
  • Removable lower for easier FSP (front sight post) installation


Specifications:
  • Precision CNC machined
  • Aircraft Grade 6061 Aluminum
  • Matte Hard Coat Anodized finish
  • Made in Taiwan by MadBull
More photos and info: www.madbull.com/omegax

Dec 2, 2011

Strike Industries Dura Mount Series Sling Adapters



NOW AVAILABLE From Strike Industries:
Dura Mount Series Sling Adapters

Features
* Aluminum T6 6061 metal construction
* Matte black finish
* Steel mounting screw
* Fits Picatinny MIL-STD-1913 rails
* Slim profile design

More info:
http://strikeindustries.com/shop/sling-adapters.html

Dec 1, 2011

PEO Soldier 2012

Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier portfolio for 2012

Magpul 2012 Calendar

The Magpul 2012 Calendar, featuring beautiful girls and beautiful guns, is NOW SHIPPING. As always the girls are outfitted in the latest Crye swimwear and displaying some impressive weaponry. 
 
This year, half of the calendar proceeds will be going to the Infinite Hero Foundation.

 

Madbull News: AR57 Licensed Accessories

Madbull just signed a licensing agreement with AR57!

AR57 is a United States-based manufacturer or rifles and firearm accessories, including upper assemblies, magazines, ammunition, scopes, and barrels.
Madbull Airsoft is proud to begin working with AR57 to adapt their innovative rifle and accessory designs for use in Airsoft replica guns.

This cooperation means that Airsoft players will have a greater selection of realistic accessories with which to build their loadouts. In addition, these accessories will be
manufactured to the highest standard to live up to the AR57 reputation. Finally, licensing ensures that the brilliant engineers are properly compensated for their intellectual property.